Proverbs 21:20-22:4

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil
in the dwelling of the wise (The wise
person sets things aside for the future.); but
a foolish man spendeth it up (The foolish
person cares only for the pleasures of the
present moment and does not save for the
future. He consumes everything he has and
has nothing for the future.).

Sin, waste, and extravagance lead to
scarcity.

21 He that followeth after righteousness
and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and
honour.

Pursuing after righteousness and mercy
are rewarded with life, righteousness,
and honor.

The person who pursues righteousness
and mercy gets even more than he was
seeking.

Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto
you.

22 A wise man scaleth the city of the
mighty, and casteth down the strength of
the confidence thereof.

A wise man is able to conquer the
mighty. A man whose strength is his
wise, godly character is pictured as
conquering another who trusts in
physical fortifications. Wisdom gives
strength and safety.

Today, people are consumed with
physical appearance and good health but
neglect their spiritual health and well-being. Even Christians can fall into this
trap.

In spiritual conflict, wisdom is able to
accomplish what armed might is unable
to do.

II Corinthians 10:1-5 - 1 Now I Paul
myself beseech you by the meekness and
gentleness of Christ, who in presence am
base among you, but being absent am
bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you,
that I may not be bold when I am present
with that confidence, wherewith I think
to be bold against some, which think of
us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do
not war after the flesh: 4 (For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal,
but mighty through God to the pulling
down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of
God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ.

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his
tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Being wise and careful in what one says
and how he says it has a way of keeping
one out of trouble.

Proverbs 12:13The wicked is snared
by the transgression of his lips: but the
just shall come out of trouble.

Proverbs 14:3In the mouth of the
foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of
the wise shall preserve them.

James 3:5-6 - 5 Even so the tongue is a
little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire
kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a
world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defileth the whole
body, and setteth on fire the course of
nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

24 Proud and haughty scorner (i.e. scoffer,
mocker) is his name, who dealeth in proud
wrath.

Mocking shows that a person thinks he
is superior to others, and the attitude is
detestable to God and others.

25 The desire of the slothful killeth him;
for his hands refuse to labour.

The lazy man is torn apart between his
craving for riches on the one hand and
his determination not to exert himself on
the other. It's killing him. How can he
possibly fulfill his desire without
working hard to do it? He can't. He has
a big problem.

26 He coveteth greedily all the day long:
but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

The man who has great desires but
refuses to work from verse 25 dreams on
and on about what he is going to do, but
the righteous works hard and is able to
give generously to others.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is
abomination: how much more, when he
bringeth it with a wicked mind?

God hates gifts from the wicked,
especially when they intentionally have
evil motives in bringing sacrifices. It is
even worse when they give with evil
motives or intentions.

28 A false witness shall perish: but the
man that heareth (the truth) speaketh
constantly (i.e. endlessly) because no one
will be able to successfully dispute what he
says. He will not be interrupted by
attempting to correct the truth of what he
says.

The false witness swears that he will tell
the truth, but the man who listens
carefully and answers honestly gives
testimony which can never be shaken.

29 A wicked man hardeneth his face (A
man's face shows that he is confirmed in his
sin.): but as for the upright, he directeth
his way.

The upright man by being teachable is
safe and establishes his behavior
carefully.

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding
nor counsel against the LORD.

Man is powerless to outwit God in
wisdom and understanding or strategy.

Romans 11:33-36 - 33 O the depth of
the riches both of the wisdom and
knowledge of God! how unsearchable
are his judgments, and his ways past
finding out! 34 For who hath known the
mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to
him, and it shall be recompensed unto
him again? 36 For of him, and through
him, and to him, are all things: to whom
be glory for ever. Amen.

31 The horse is prepared against the day of
battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Men go to elaborate plans to insure
victory in war, but victory comes only
from the Lord.

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than
great riches, and loving favour rather
than silver and gold.

A good name is a good reputation, and it
comes from having a good character. It
is more precious, more powerful, and
more enduring than great riches.

Riches are useless if in gaining them
someone ruins his character.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the
LORD is the maker of them all.

All people have something in common.
The Lord is their creator.

As their creator, the Lord is interested in
all persons, whether they are rich or
poor.

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and
hideth himself: but the simple pass on,
and are punished.

A wise man sees judgment coming and
does something about it. He receives
Christ as his Savior.

The simple do not see judgment coming
and will be punished in the lake of fire.

4 By humility and the fear of the LORD
are riches, and honour, and life.

Humility and the fear of the Lord are
rewarded with spiritual riches, divine
honor, and abundant life.

Humility is a humbling of oneself before
the Lord. It results in a voluntary
submission to the Lord. The fear of the
Lord results in a person's believing the
gospel and keeping himself out of sin.
God blesses this individual as a result of
his righteous living.